C PUG W
It's really funny how everyone in the world agrees air power is important, and then those with an "air force bent" in this vitriolic debate seem to imply air defence at sea is somehow less important than air defence ashore. Either air power in a military context is essential or it is not!
When forces are deployed forward on ships they should have air cover. It really is a no brainer.
Anyone who advocates differently is effectively saying we need no air power at all. Air force advocates need to really think about what they are arguing against. This discussion is not about RAF and RN. It is not about who won the Battle of Britain or who defeated the U Boat threat. It is not even about the Falklands! It is about projecting force, and protecting our deployed forces wherever they go. Right now, deployed forces at sea are unprotected...even with the much vaunted Type 45 destroyers nearby.